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Dredging work begins on Lake Isabella

Drawdown and dredging work has begun on Lake Isabella. (Jeff Meek photo)

By JEFF MEEK

Senior reporter

Dredging efforts at Lake Isabella are in full swing as Property Owners’ Association lakes manager David Harper and his co-workers begin the job of removing tons of silt/sludge from the lake and nearby pond area.

“We’re taking out a lot of material,” water/wastewater superintendent Billy Graves said at the December lakes and water committee meeting.

Isabella was down 61 inches before the latest weather event, which put almost a foot of water back in the lake.

“We’re trying to get Dave Harper as much help as possible,” added public works director Jason Temple, who said even members of the golf department have volunteered so that a five-person crew can be maintained on the job site.

“We’re going to do as much (dredging) as we can,” said Temple.

Graves said there are areas in the lakes with two or more feet of sludge that will be taken out. It’s a big job that Graves and Temple are committed to get done so as to better enhance the health of the lake. Removal of the material is also thought to be a benefit because less vegetative growth should occur at springtime due to the sludge removal.

Public works is renting machinery to aid Harper in getting the material out.

After work at Isabella is complete, Graves and Temple will consider doing similar work on the Magellan pond, which recharges Lake Isabella in times of low-water levels.

Graves said the boat-ramp area will also be looked at in hopes of removing eight to 12 inches of material there as well.

Temple is also seeking a permit from the Vicksburg District of the Corps of Engineers to do dredging with equipment positioned on the lake floor in all Village lakes, as other drawdowns and situations become available.

Lake Coronado is also in the process of being drawn down and is estimated to be down approximately 20 inches. All other Village lakes are at or near full pool.

The removed material is being stored and once dried, it will be given a closer look to see if topsoil and sand can be removed and used elsewhere.

Later in the meeting, committee members again reviewed the lake-management plan for years 2015 through 2018.

During the meeting it was also noted that trees are beginning to be a concern below the Lake Granada spillway area. Committee member Peter Trabant said the matter needs attention by spring before more growth occurs.

The committee continues to work on getting a better idea on why lake levels drop. Temple will be consulting with the golf department on the issue.

Keeping record of lake levels is a priority in this matter and the committee is seeking residents to volunteer to take measurements. The POA will provide the needed equipment to do the measurements. If interested in volunteering, contact the public works department at 922-5528.

A Lake Pineda resident spoke with the committee about a serious erosion issue where water pours into the lake near the ramp area and her property. She showed members many photos of the area where the fast flow of water is taking away common property and will soon be removing her property as well.

She said because of erosion, one tree has already fallen on her truck, causing $5,000 in damage. And more trees will come down soon if something isn’t done. She asked the committee to consider at least a partial drawdown to address the matter.

Currently Pineda is not scheduled for another drawdown until fall of 2017, but the committee said adjustments can be made based on assessment of needs.

Temple said he would take a look at the area for possible spring follow-up.

The lakes and water committee will next meet at 9 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Coronado Community Center.